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08/12/2024

SPHA Proudly Participates in Whispering Pines Apartments Grand Opening

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (AUGUST 12, 2024) - The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) proudly participated in the grand opening of Whispering Pines Apartments on August 9, 2024.

Whispering Pines Apartments, located at 2655 54th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL, is a new affordable housing development created by Boley Centers Inc. Units are available to special needs families earning less than 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). 80% of the units will be reserved for people who have experienced homelessness.

SPHA contributed to the success of this project by providing 20 project-based housing vouchers, reflecting the organization's commitment to creating opportunities for stronger communities. "We are proud to partner with Boley Centers in this vital effort to help our community's most vulnerable," said SPHA President and CEO Michael Lundy.

Key attendees at the grand opening ceremony included:

  • Kenneth T. Welch, Mayor, City of St. Petersburg
  • Kevin Marrone, President & CEO, Boley Centers
  • Jack Humburg, COO, Boley Centers
  • Joseph Smith, Chairman of the Board, Boley Centers
  • Michael Lundy, President & CEO, St. Petersburg Housing Authority
  • Kathryn Driver, Executive Director, Pinellas County Housing Finance Authority
  • Deborah Figgs-Sanders, Chair, St. Petersburg City Council

St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving the project's goals. "The Whispering Pines Apartments development is a great example of a public-private collaboration that is helping to create housing opportunities for all," said Mayor Welch. "We commend Boley Center's efforts to provide critical housing for the most vulnerable members of our community and we look forward to partnering with more organizations who align with our focus on inclusive progress."

Funding for the Whispering Pines project was provided by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Pinellas County, Pinellas County Housing Finance Authority, City of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg Housing Authority, and the Boley Angels.

The Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County secured the land for Whispering Pines, establishing a land trust and ensuring its availability to Pinellas Affordable Living, Inc. for the next 99 years.

The St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) is proud to be community partners with Boley Centers Inc.

Group of people at Whispering Pines Apartments Grand Opening.

Whispering Pines Apartments Grand Opening held August 9, 2024.

 

ABOUT THE ST. PETERSBURG HOUSING AUTHORITY (SPHA):

An independent quasi-governmental entity and a political subdivision of the State of Florida, operating under Chapter 421 Florida Statutes, SPHA is the local administrative agency for housing assistance programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). SPHA offers a variety of programs and services that provide affordable rental housing to low-income families, seniors, veterans, and the disabled in the greater St. Petersburg region. For more information, visit www.stpeteha.org.

 

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